I never thought I would do it, but about 4 months ago, my wife and I put the TV in the closet. Since then, I have more time, more money, and more self-control.

Getting rid of the TV freed up 10 hours a week where I now read, spend time talking with my wife about life, go out with friends, or play with our dogs.

Cancelling the cable (after going a month without the TV to be sure we could do it) has saved $50 a month. Granted I spend that much in books each month, I still look at this as a money saver.

Being free from all the flesh and images of sex and lust has transformed my life and increased my self-control. As a man who struggled with lust, watching TV programs, and even commercials (ie Victoria Secret ads) just cemented that sin within me. Taking those constant images out of my mind has increased my self-control 100 fold - it truly has been a renewing of my mind.

I strongly suggest that families give it a try. Have a 7 day experiment where you put the TV in the closet. At worst you miss some of your favorite shows. At best, your mind is forever transformed! Oh, and after missing your favorite shows for a couple of months, you won't have any idea what the story line is anyway and will no longer have a desire to watch it.

i love Project RunWay with santiago (2 season)
and Austin (1 first season) but i hate what not to wear because they are so mean to the people!

We also gave up TV a couple of months ago, though out of necessity. Our kids started public school for the first time and hubby and I were both entering grad school. We dropped our cable about a month prior to school and no one seems to miss it. Well, I DO miss What Not to Wear. But we all seem to be getting out homework done. :) No one but hubby has asked for the cable's return.

Jane, I can relate! As a Christian woman and pastor's wife, the way I spend time and money is important to me. My hubby and I have tried the no-TV route, severely limiting our TV viewing, and taking a more laid back approach. You know what? As long as we are conscious of not squandering too many hours, and not bringing sexual or ultra-violent images into our home (sometimes that includes the news), we're happy with the laid back approach!

We�ve laughed together, cried together (well, mostly I�ve cried) and discussed serious topics, all in thanks to Jim, Pam, Stacy, Clinton and that evil Simon Cowell. I don�t believe there�s a one-size-fits-all approach to TV viewing, but we�ve certainly found what works best for our family.

Great article. My husband and I started our marriage without a t.v. (on the advice of a Christian friend) and haven't looked back since. It's been amazing and the best part is the sensitivity that developed through removing those negative ideas, characters and images from our relationship! We also get our news from the internet now, and various newspapers, which allows us to pray and find out how God wants us to feel about a given issue, rather than letting a news station tell us how to feel or vote etc. I'm not against folks who have t.v. because I really understand how fun it is. I just want to encourage others to give it a go and see how different your lives can be when you clear out the noise/clutter and make room for God! God bless you all.

I think we have to use discernment for whatever we allow into our lives and value-systems. After all even the Bible will lead us astray if we misuse it, and our religion has many examples of 'first being last' in terms of misguided leadership and support for things which are not Godly. It is important to think for ourselves and not join in anything which takes us from love of God and love for ourselves and each other- pray about anything which is bothering you and the answer is right there!

I seriously suspect that those who do not watch T.V. sit at their computer for the same amount of time.

It certainly is a relief to know I am not the only Christian women who enjoys a dose of HGTV every now and then. I also think Friday night is not complete without Stacy and Clinton or an episode of Monk.

My newspaper has been cancelled in favor of a "fair and balanced" T.V. news channel and I admit too, I keep up with "Idol." But then ... I don't have a home computer.

I used to beat myself up over some of the TV shows I watched (and the fact that I even spend time watching TV) until I attended a Christian writer's conference where the keynote speaker said he makes it a point to watch television so that, as a writer and a believer, he would be able relate to the culture. I have known Christians who would not allow a radio, TV, or even a Christmas tree (it's really a pagan symbol) into their homes because they feared they would be corrupted by these cultural influences. In reality, their thinking is very similar to radical Muslims who seek to ban technology and even education out of fear that people will be corrupted by them.

Our family disconnected our cable service over three years ago due to financial issues. We now keep it disconnected due to our values. My kids, ages ten and fourteen, rarely comment on missing it. I know they watch some at friends' homes, and we do watch a lot of movies. At least with movies we control the content to some extent.

Our family has a lot of fun together! Just last night we went to a concert together at a Christian nightclub. We go on bike rides, hiking, and picnics. About once a week we hit the local thrift stores on their half price nights and see what bargains we can come up with. I believe that our family and our faith are stronger for not having that garbage coming into our homes (and minds and hearts!) on a daily basis.

I would encourage every family to try it, if even for a month! See how much more fun you have as a family, and how much more peace fills your home. :-)

My husband and I got rid of our TV and DVD/VCR when God asked us to about three years ago. At the time, we weren't thrilled but chose to be obedient. I wouldn't say it's for everyone, or that TV is evil (though lots of what is televised certainly is!) - but for us, watching TV was an enabler - to avoid issues, waste time, and fill our minds with garbage.

Sometimes we miss the old TV, but not too often. We watch TV with friends occasionally and get DVD's to watch on my computer (a major downsize in screen!).

Unfortunately, sometimes we still fill our minds with media garbage - but when we do, it's intentional (not just because it came on next) ... and when we see that, we allow God to deal with us about it.

As a result, we have grown - in our relationship with God, with each other, with others, and in doing other things we kept putting off - and even in things we always meant to do but didn't "find the time."

Maybe God wouldn't want you to give it up entirely. We don't think it's wrong to watch TV or own one. But for us - not yet. Meanwhile, we rejoice is all that God is doing in those 'extra' hours.

This was great! I try not to watch anything I would not want my four year old watching, and I love "What Not to Wear!" This means I watch a lot Disney Chanel. :o}

We have lived with and without TV. One of the things I find troubling is that the worldly perspective can be very subtle. I have a friend who would never watch a show that had swearing in the dialog, yet she will watch shows full of sexual innuendos (as long as the not-married people aren't actually shown in bed together) or shows that glorify materialism or worldly success at any price. I'm easily drawn into watching, even the ads, because I want to see what happens next. For me, that disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

I have to admit I have my favorite shows returning from last season and am looking forward to seeing what's happening on them this year. Talking about "how to" shows, my absolute favorite is Finola Hughes "How Do I Look?" I discovered it earlier this year and have recorded every show to "catch up." I don't feel too bad watching this one because they go further than just looks, and Finola and her group really care about the people getting made over. Some of the stories are very touching and help the person move on from something that has made them not care about their appearance. I usually end up crying at some point.

I do watch some of the new series and find myself watching very critically the language and content. I like Brothers and Sisters, but do NOT like the gay storyline and if they continue showing too much of that, I will regretfully quit watching.

I do NOT watch the news at all, it is just too negative, but there are several Christian online news sources that I prefer.

Not sure we could do without the tv, my husband loves his sports. But as I said I do pay attention to what I watch.

We only watch videos/dvds in our home. We have been without cable for about 1 1/2 years. My husband and I have been married for almost 12 1/2 years, we have been without TV for about 4 of those years. Someone gave us the advice not to have a television at all in the first year of marriage. We took it to heart and made it two.
I am not opposed to television and have many godly, christian friends who spend many hours with the Tube (or "boob-tube" as it used to be called by some old guys). I have enjoyed many hours of Law and Order, FoodTV, and other programming.
The years without TV have been better for us in a variety of ways, particularly emotionally. Just to add my 2 cents. I still like TV, just not the overuse.

This article and all the viewer's feedback has inspired me to try a seven day break from TV. I'm excited to see how what happens in our lives.

I am a stay-at-home mom and have only one child, but I really don't have the time to sit down and do nothing but stare at the TV. I still enjoy things like making jam, putting up apples in the freezer for apple pies to be baked later in the winter months. In the summer there is yard work, 2-3 weeks at the seaside visiting my husband's parents who don't own a television. I think age has a lot to do with perspective on this subject. When you're a baby boomer who has turned fifty, you begin to view your time on this earth as so valuable, that you couldn't care less about "the weekly American Idol hoopla or the fast-paced adventures of Jack Bauer " or "an episode about Pam and Jim�s date on The Office" ( I have never viewed any of these and am not familiar with them).

I do have a suggestion though that may appeal more to ladies then to men: take up crocheting. At least your time spent on shows that don't neccessarily edify your spiritual man, nor bond you to other family members, nor create lasting memories, will have been productive in some way.

I think the first reply from RYAN was a very good one--well put!

Blessings to all!

Oh Jane!
"What not to wear!" Do you really? I mean, these two are so arrogant and self-centred. No - and, by the way, if someone came up to me that way - maybe, I'd take the money - but I'd go to spend it on my own. I want to wer what makes ME feel good - not what others think.
Perhaps, you are too young to remember when the minis came up in England. Oh yuk - every girls looked the same. I really think sometimes that fashion is worse than any other "oppression" that was decried so much.
And - wait a minute: what is a "cleaned up Sex and the City"? How can you clean up a brothel?
And "Friends"? If I had friends as dumb as that, .... Well, I can't really get it how women can tolerate such bimbo-stupid pictures of themselves - and men such dumb-incompetent ones of themselves.
I just think, all the media -and Hollywood- are far away from the real world and mostly inhabited by morons with doubtful perceptions and expressions of their own sexuality - as well as that of others.
Actually, sometimes I think those in NOW live in the same psychiatric ward.
Joan

It's funny, I was just talking to a friend about this. She can't watch CSI anymore because of the themes it was producing. At that time, I could, but now have a check in my Spirit every time I watch it. She loves House, but I can't watch it. Again, the "check" in my spirit.

I agree, it's not a "one size fits all" approach at all. It's how God leads you and what He's teaching you about at that time. Do you have to be conscious of the time you spend in front of the tv? Absolutely!

My husband is not a believer, so my tv is on all the time. But if it's something I don't want to watch, or if God is calling me to do something else, that's where I am. Sometimes I'm reading a book while he's watching tv. We still talk about issues and laugh. I just don't spend a lot of time in front of the tv.

I enjoy watching television. Is everything I watch "good Christian tv"? No. But I am blessed with discernment and I know what's right from what's wrong. I do spend my time doing other things as well: surfing the Internet, reading, going out when time and money permits, etc. Sometimes after a day's work in retail dealing with the attitudes of "real people" I need to escape to the hallways and crazy personal issues of the doctors at Seattle Grace or the fashionistas at Mode Magazine.

Thanks to Stacy and Clinton I've dumped my "mom jeans" and am almost ready to let go of the ugly Christmas sweater I've worn every Christmas for the last decade. (My kids tell me the best Christmas gift ever will be to never have to see it again.)

I, too, struggle with too much TV at times, but DaHusband and I figure, it's a far less destructive habit than some others we used to struggle with. And the 94-year-old Mama who lives with us just LOVES her TiVo'd "Golden Girls"... So for now, TV keeps us off the streets and laughing (and crying) together on the couch. Thanks for keeping it real. Mary Pierce (www.laughlady.com)

My husband and I got rid of our TV shortly after becoming Christians right at 30 years ago. Our children were raised without TV and I don't regret it. Although both our oldest daughters are on their own and now have TVS I have noticed the married daughter who has children is fairly discriminatory in what and how much TV and video her sons are allowed to watch. She is also highly discriminatory about what her younger brother (13) is allowed to watch when he visits. I have always noticed a definite correlation between the times when my son was allowed to watch a video and his behaviour. TV influences our homes and our lives much more than we realize. I am not saying it is WRONG for a Christian to watch, but I do think we must be very discriminatory. The old question about What Would Jesus do (watch) is a good guide for today.

Thanks for the article. My husband and I have not had a television for over two years. That isn't to say that we don't enjoy watching movies and even a few television programs on our computer. It's really nice to decide what to watch when we want to watch it! It's also wonderful to not have our kids influenced by commercials and the "latest fashion" while we all are able to still relax and enjoy a good movie.

Jane-when I was growing up, my dad and I watched The Carol Burnett Show and Mission Impossible on Sunday nights. During the week, our tv watching was strictly limited and on Saturdays it was mostly cartoons. We only watched wholesome shows(The Brady Bunch, I love Lucy, all of those funny 60-70's sitcoms). I do love What Not to Wear, and American Idol. I watch Heroes and Ugly Betty because she has a heart of gold even with all of the craziness going on around her. I try to steer clear of shows that are way too violent and that use too much colorful language. There are nights I turn off the TV and just read my Word. Now that the fall is here, I have busy evenings, so I limit what I watch.

I need everyone to pray for me to give up t.v.! I am a breast and uterus cancer patient(disabled) and that is all I do is watch t.v., I have a whole library of books,online courses,and christian dvd's that have not even been opened!! I watch TBN till 3 everyday, then I watch court showes,police murder investagations,lifetime,lmn, and I am filling my mind with all kinds of stuff, but, I cannot seem to get a grip on it. I don't remember to pray, I read scripture off the internet, instead of reading my bible. I have so many sermons on cd and dvd that I have them in boxes,they wont fit on my bookshelves, yet I continue to buy them. I cannot go to church because I cannot drive, I have to take morphine! Please help me! I did not mean to confess my sin to you, but I really need good christian prayer!!! May God Bless each and everyone of you,who are so brave and disaplined!

Jane,
I also enjoy "What Not to Wear," "Project Runway" and other shows about fashion. It's fun and relaxing. I also like HGTV, but I am never home when my favorit show about crafts is on. I love crafts and that's where I spend a lot of my free time. What is on TV these days is just bad, and there are so few good role models in general, but for African Americans, Hispanics and other groups it is just awful. I don't see me or my lifestyle reflected in mainstream media and very seldom do, so I don't waste my limited time watching TV. I have to many other great things to do.

We moved countries a couple of years ago (from Japan to Australia) and needed to re-buy most electrical/electronic goods as the two countries have different systems. We didn't buy a TV immediately because we had never watched much anyway. It was surprising the concern it caused our friends - there was a lot of worry expressed about how we would 'cope' (with what??), but with both of us studying, it was probably better not to have one.
We have one now though we still don't watch it much and our children are too young to feel social pressure about watching the same shows as their friends. But sadly it's not that we're spending our time doing good things - I think both my husband and I waste time on the internet. We use our computers heavily for study and of course it's just too easy to slip from researching something valid to reading something peripheral and then rabbitting off after an interesting new topic that is nothing but distraction...

I have to admit that I watch probably too much tv, but also look at it another way. I did NOT grow up in a Christian family with Christian beliefs so although my family had values and morals, my mother was rather laid back and more of a friend. She wasn't even told what sex was until her husband explained it to her on their wedding night so I guess that tramatized her and she didn't want me to experience the same so leaned further the other direction. You know, "I don't want you to have sex before marriage, but if you are going to, you should be on birth control." Since I found the Lord and have children I mostly feel confused if I am doing right by them without the Christian upbringing. I am SUPER strict according to my children and their friends, but at times wonder if I am strict enough. It wasn't until my son was allowed to date at 16 that his life fell apart which made me doubt that decision. Back to topic...TV: I know there are many Christians who would probably be offended by some of the shows I watch such as one soap opera I have watched since I was 8 years old, Big Brother, American Idol, Amazing Race and my favorite, Survivor. Love the reality shows. Oh, and also the true stories on Lifetime. The one thing I notice when watching with my daughter is that we are able to discuss things we would otherwise not talk about. It isn't that we couldn't, but that the subjects just wouldn't come up. We see something "wrong" and one of us will comment and the discussion begins. I always take the opportunity to explain why such behavior or actions would be wrong for us as Christians especially when I hear the common "That is what my friend does," or "My friend at school acts like that," or "My friends' parents let them do that." Although the shows I watch are not all on at one time, I am sure that I would have more time to do more things without the TV, but it is my downtime and the time that I don't have to be mentally challenged since I am a single mom and college student who works a tech job and my mind is always going. Also, compared to the things I used to do with my time before meeting Jesus, watching TV is the least of my concerns. This could change in the future as we are always growing and God always puts new things on our hearts as we grow so only He knows the future. I do know that He is faithful to grieve my spirit if I am watching something that is definitely wrong. We have gone to movies at the theater and I have walked out in tears....not because the movie was sad either, but because I could "hear" the Lord telling me what we had just watched was so wrong and I have had to apologize and ask forgiveness from my children explaining how I was feeling. Sometimes they feel it as well, and other times they understand after I explain. I pay close attention to what my children say and do and know that even if my adult son watches a movie that he knows is wrong, he explains to me why it was wrong and sometimes says he wishes he never seen it.

Great post! I love Project Runway and can't wait for the new season. I wrote a Christian fiction series about fashion design and a lot of the research stuck with me.

We have a busy life too but the TV is often on. It's gives us a lot to think and pray about most times. I'm with you though, no TV Guide! It takes a lot to make our lineup.

There is so much garbage on TV but there is also a lot of great TV. I do enjoy watching television now and then and do not think that there is anything wrong with doing so. I have learned a lot from TV. I have also learned a lot from reading, volunteering etc. TV is in my life but it is not what I always choose to do in my spare time as life is very interesting without TV as well.

Great article, thanks for the honesty. I think this is a "to each his own" issue. We all feel that pang of guilt when we know we're watching/doing something we shouldn't, when the Holy Spirit sends a little jolt of "no" through us.

I, too, love relaxing with TV. Getting lost in a fictional world, letting my mind take a break from the hoopla of life. I don't think it's wrong. But I think it's valuable to still pay attention to God and obey when he sends that "no" pang. He's our ultimate TV Guide.

I haven't read these Women's Connections in a while and now I remember why. Discussing fashion and television like they are important to our Christian walk is superficial and keeps us from dealing with real issues. I admit, that I didn't read the entire article, I couldn't stomach it. Beware, even the elect will be deceived. Put the TV in the closet or make a room decor out of it. I agree with Brooke "see how different your lives can be when you clear out the noise/clutter and make room for God!"

I loved your article as well. Although you named all my favorite shows, and in order, right down to "24", I agree completely about being careful what you let into your home via TV. Inappropriate messages can be so subtle, just like the enemy. We went 10 years without cable until the 2000 Olympics. Back then, we thought it would be good for our children to witness great achievements by these hardworking athletes. Unfortunately, my sports-fanatic husband got hooked, since football season began soon afterwards. The cable was never disconnected. Now, I'm careful what I watch, but it's hard to keep violent and sexual images from entering my home when my husband and kids (now 17 and 21) freely watch. They hear my disapproving comments which they view as judgemental but I can't help it. I've seen how TV has turned my children's innocence into worldly attitudes and influences (i.e. music videos, teenage reality shows, etc.) but I can't turn back the clock. I regret turning the TV back on.

I completely identify. I love to kick back in front of my favorite shows. Granted, at one point mid-season last year God and I had a discussion about the number of shows I was watching. But, that was in large portion due to the time spent watching, taping, thinking, worrying, pondering etc about the shows and often less about the actual content of the show. However, as a single almost 30 woman, I don't have anything else to fill my time, at times. I have a large circle of friends, I am a voracious reader, I work two jobs and I have my own apartment. but, there are still times when I have nothing else to do. So, I pay for th eminimal cable so I can keep up with "my" shows and although I don't advertise it, I try not to feel guilty when telling an "ultra conservative" Christian acquaintance that I enjoy CSI or LOST or Heroes.

We had a bout of really bad tv reception a while back and did without tv for awhile . . . and didn't miss it so just let it go. That time has stretched into 12 years now and counting, and we have no desire to go back. The world still has many ways of intruding into our home - magazines, movies, books, and us - but many people who visit our home comment on the "spirit of peace" that pervades our space, and we believe that this is one of the factors. When we are in hotels, we are often shocked that we can't find anything to watch on the 50 channels available, but occasionally also find something that we know that we would watch if we had satellite tv! On thing that's hard is being with a group of people who are all chatting about a certain tv show and we don't have a clue, but all the benefits certainly outweigh the cost of being left out in those situations. It's hard for me to imagine Jesus stretched out watching tv.

I too think that each family needs to make a decision on how to use the tv in their home. I do not however agree that using the internet in place of tv is a good choice. There are MORE negative images on the internet that on regular tv.

I do watch TV for my children's sake i want to know what they are watching but i get exhausted quickly, am trying to find a way not to let them watch TV on all their spare time, i know it requires more of my involvement, still would like to know how to handle this

I must confess that i watch tv a lot especially soaps and telenovellas that are the in thing in Nigeria now. I know its wrong but that seems the only recreation as i hate going out except for visitations and retreats in the camp. Anyway, its only in the evenings after work but i still believe i should reduce the time spent in front of the telly and devote time to studying the bible and praying.

As someone who has worked professionally as a writer and producer in television, I think those of us who are Christians just need to be wise in what we watch and how much. I don't think those who forsake tv altogether are any more spiritual than those who choose to watch television. I've actually had Christians piously say to me, "I never watch television!". It's as if they believe that because of that, they are on a higher level of Christianity than the rest of us. Does it ever occur to the Christians of today that if the Christians of yesterday had not denounced all the arts (including film and television) as being "of the devil", that things in todays tv culture could have been a lot different? As followers of the ultimate Creator, Christians should have been leaders and innovators in this medium. Instead, they abandoned it and gave it over to those with no firm foundation.

I am watching more t.v. right now as I am recently divorced and t.v. occupies my mind. I love to converse with God more than anything and I trust that He will take me away from the t.v. when it is time. He has always come through for me in that way so I know to listen to Him. Right now He just wants me to get my focus on somethign other than pain. I am careful about the things I watch and the minute I am uncomfortable I swith to something more approprate. I love Modern Marvels on the History channel and TLC has some good things too. I keep it clean but I do like my t.v. Reading is fabulous too!

This was a very good article. My husband and I got rid of our TV for seven years. During that time my children spent a lot time playing outdoors. My children actually used their minds and built things out of sticks and rocks- I've always felt it was wise to cultivate ingenuity and imagination. Their days were spent in the sunshine, not in front of the TV. I also homeschooled them for 4 yrs. They are 16 & 17 now and have now been back in public school for 6 yrs. They are both honor students. We do have a TV now but we are very picky about what we watch. We have SKYANGEL instead of regular cable or satelite. Anyone interested in cleaner programing should give them a try. I believe in the "garbage in, garbage out" philosophy. What you put into your mind and heart will eventually come out in your life.

Come on people! Why would you waste any of God's precious time in front of the TV set?

There are so many good ways to spend your time:

• If it's the late hours at home, then get a hobby. You're at least accomplishing something.
• If you live with others, play games, even a mindless game. You're spending time with that person(s).
• Learn a new skill. It's not mindless, but with technology changing rapidly, this is necessary to stay ahead of the pack.
• Exercise. Your health will benefit.
• Spend it with God. What better way to spend your time?

It does say in the bible to not be busy with the things of this world. But, TV is a 'thing of this world.' You just don't look busy.

TV watching is an addiction just like smoking, drinking, drugs, or gossip. Those of you who put the TV in the closet: Did you go through any withdrawls? Are you relieved of a bondage?

Time spent in front of the TV is totally wasted time. There is no gain to it at all, not for yourself (spirit, soul, or body) or others:

Spirit Okay, one could argue that watching Christian TV will feed your spirit. But the shows that you are all talking about definitely don't feed the spirit. You might say you're discerning, but you're still being brought down by them. Also, there's only so many sermons one can absorb without getting overwhelmed trying to live all of them at once. Some of you have cited that this addiction has interfered with your spiritual life.

Mind
No wisdom is gained. Actually, it's lost. The more of that one soaks up, the more it affects their decisions. Not good!

Body
Lose fitness, gain unwanted weight. One burns more calories sleeping than watching TV. That's how LAZY it is.

Others
One stares at a screen, probably telling other people to 'be quiet' so they can hear some unimportant audio. Let's be honest: How many of you have hit the dog, or pushed a child away because you were watching a show?

Where's the benefit in this?

How can you hear God's voice when you have all that 'noise' on?

I don't watch TV. I don't have time. (I have a life!!) But, I live with someone who does. I can't stand the noise. It's awful!!! There is nothing positive about it. Also, she complains that she's behind on things she wants to accomplish. She wouldn't be behind if she spent her TV time on those projects. I have seen the problems TV causes, and I have not seen ANY gain (except weight).

I rarely end up in a situation where I'm 'left out' because I don't watch TV. (The secret is to socialize with people who can talk about things other than TV. They're more abundant than you think.)

Watching TV really does show a lack of life.

I love watching TV, but am very careful about what I watch. I try to avoid shows that have violence and sex in them. Mainly, hubby and I watch sports and documentaries. However, I do confess that I love a few of the reality shows, like Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, and Project Runway! To me, they're just a fun way to relax, so I don't see anything wrong with them.

Now, if only I could Tim's voice out of my head...("Make it work, guys, make it work!")

I have a daily battle with the TV! I love to watch, and am fairly discriminating about what I watch, but even the innocuous shows are plagued with commercials for the ugly, sexual or violent ones! I have become increasingly frustrated with the inability to watch even clean shows without being bombarded with all kinds of things I don't want to see, and I certainly don't want my kids to see them! I recently found a website called onemillionmoms.com, which is a campaign to clean up television by targeting the advertisers of some of the more risque or violent programming.
Another issue we have found is that since we got cable, my children have fought more, and become much more "mouthy"! We finally traced it back to TV - who knew we'd ever have an issue with the Disney Channel?

Hello, I'm currently struggling with watching shows like "Desperate Housewives" and "Brothers and Sisters". I have prayed that our good Lord will take away my desire to watch these shows. They glorify sex outside of marriage, adultery, & homosexuality. I believe that we should take a stand on issues that God is very clear about......if I believe adultery is wrong then I should not allow it into my heart and mind through the TV. I have to admit though that it is a challenge because sometimes I want to watch these shows.

I have been a Christian for many years and now am an empty nester. T.V. watching or should I say the self-control and discipline of watching T.V. has always been a struggle. As I tell my husband, it doesn't even matter what it is - I could be learning by watching T.V. 24/7! There is much that is good and helpful, but we also know of all the bad ----- and when we are glued to the "soaps" ( I was once addicted and also asked for prayer to help me stop watching them during my nursing mother stage - oh, how I could not wait for 12:30 to come everyday and then I was glued until 3:00 or 4:00!) it tends to come out in our actions and words with others even though we think it doesn't affect us!

Anyway, what I have learned is that when we are habitually watching that which we know is contrary to the Word and God's ways ....'what ever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whateve is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or worthy of praise - think about such things!' Phil 4:8.....then we can't be walking in God's Spirit, but are indeed doing what Romans 1:28-32 says. We are maybe not doing those "things" in our home, but by watching and taking it in, whether it be in movies, soaps, reality shows etc. ....we are giving hearty "approval of those who practice them." ( v. 32)
I just know it is tough to say NO to my flesh and the desires of my heart to be current with what is on the tube.....but I must please God first of all and much of what I chose( including News) and the amount of time I am glazed over watching, needs to be prayed about and considered before Him.
We tend to talk more as a couple when the T.V. is off....don't women really want that??? I know I do! M.A.

I must correct your words here: "Unfortunately, no such specific television-viewing guide exists in God�s Word." In point of fact, there is a "show" in the Bible about what not to watch. It's called Philippians 4:8.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

We had no TV the first 9 years of marriage; it wasn't a priority for our time and dollars. Our son was remarkable at self-amusement and attention spam. I believe actual experiences w/o TV until age 6 is why. Now, we like TV for special events like the Olympics, Presidential debates, World Series ball games, and coverage of significant news stories (like Sept 11, Katrina) best communicated visually. Trashy content is indeed objectionable. The wrestling of WWW reminds me of the blood lust of gladiators in Roman times. But content is so obviously at odds with Christian values. What about the more subtle constant stream of consumer ads that promote a pure material set of values? "Buy this car/go to this restaurant/use this service to be happy/free/content/secure."

i do watch tv at home but not to long. i watch preferably news current evens and talk program mostly related to politics. i also watch entertainmetn rogram especiallly during luch break just to for fun and of course to take some kind of rest time and relax time. at night i do watch nes program at midnight.

rudy martinez chung

rudymchung2@yahoo.com.ph

TV is great for information and education, and for entertaining the housebound for example but for most of us it's a distraction and a time-waster. I rarely watch, so when I do put on a movie or watch a comedy show it's especial fun! I read the news online on the BBC World Service, most TV news is biased and inaccurate or distastefully sensationalist. The Christian religious programming is mostly pretty unpleasant to me too- makes the churches look like exclusive judgemental cults not representations of God, the holy spirit and the teachings of Jesus. Mark 7: 15 Jesus says 'There is nothing from outside a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.' It's up to us to use discernment and judgement as to what takes us away from God and what is a good use of our time.

Two questions: What are "mom jeans?" What kind of jeans are moms supposed to wear? I really need to know. Thanks!

We were very careful about all TV viewing when our children were young and lived at home. The TV was off during evening homework time, unless a teacher had assigned a program. Now, as 'empty-nesters', we enjoy PBS and historical movies - all that is available to us without cable or satellite. My husband finally confessed to me that a number of the advertisements and shows on TV with scantily-dressed women were images that stayed with him long after the TV was off. He said that he would prefer not to watch these shows (or the lingerie ads, etc.), even with me present and also watching. He said that watching is often an "occasion of potential sin" and not what he should be leaving his mind idly open to view. I appreciated his honesty and agreed with him that many of the scenes of semi-nudity and lewd behavior or immoral situations depicted did nothing to edify our life or glorify God. It seems that some of the best shows for detective or crime-solving now must always have scenes of lap and pole dancing (why?) or gratuitious sexual situations, if only in the background. I am more sensitive to this issue now that my husband shared this information.

We hardly watch any TV at all. My girls (ages 5 and 2 1/2) watch a few shows, but only ones that I feel are OK (They are not allowed to watch Dora the Explorer or Spongebob, but can watch Little Bill, Backyardigans and Wonder Pets). Their current favorite show: "How It's Made"!

As for my husband and me, aside of "How It's Made", we watch "Dancing With the Stars" and "Jericho" (when it's on). That's it. Oh, and my husband watches The Weather Channel quite regularly, but that's because he's a truck driver and wants to know what conditions he's going to be driving in.

Added note: Peter Tork was my favorite Monkee.

OK, Jane -- Did you ever watch "Say Yes to the Dress" on Friday nights? It's off the air (cable, really) now but someone said it's coming back. All about drama at a high-end Manhattan bridal salon. Great fun! My engaged daughter Amanda and I had a Friday-night date to watch; it was kind of a high point in my week. Which leads me to an important point: watching TV with your kid of whatever age, if it isn't just awful (the show, not the kid), can be a great way to connect.
However, it's interesting to read these posts and see that for some people, it really can be an addiction, not just a guilty pleasure. Big screens and comfy family rooms don't help.
Love your blog!

I came across this post in a random google search, and even though it's late, I just wanted to chime in to balance what I perceive as judgment from some of the other commenters.

My husband and I have cut back on our TV viewing, mostly by not watching new shows and cutting back on others, but I still love to watch TV or movies some afternoons or evenings.

I read a lot, and I spend a lot of time on the computer as well. I do not consider any of those habits to be any better than TV, so if someone uses all their downtime to watch TV, I don't judge, just as I hope they wouldn't judge me if they found me curled up with a book one afternoon while there were dirty dishes in my sink.

I agree with Jennifer. We don't have tv or internet anymore (except at night, when I can hop on my husbands laptop that he has with him all day) and it is very hard to not be able to unwind with a favorite show at night, my kids miss theirs in the day and I miss mine at night. My husband now has to work 2 jobs and I am alone with 3 kids all day and all night now. There are only so many times a game can be played. And once the kids are in bed I feel sad and disconnected at night. I really miss what not to wear and top chef, top design and food network tv. It was good for my mental health to have that couple of hours to myself. I do read but I still miss my shows.

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